Polaris RANGER HD is Well Suited for Both Work and Play

| September 6, 2009 | 0 Comments

Polaris RANGER HD in the Pine Nut Mountains

For heavy-duty work applications, Polaris introduced the RANGER HD in 2009 which has all the RANGER features plus an exclusive Self-Leveling Suspension and Variable Assist Power Steering.

Although the RANGER HD is geared to handle work functions well, Polaris designed it in such a way that it is also right at home on recreational trail rides.

I had the opportunity to use a RANGER HD over the course of several months in a variety of terrain for both work and play and can tell you is the marketing hype does match what I observed. The HD is a very versatile UTV.

Polaris Ranger HD with BOSS Lift & Carry System

Electronic Power Steering

For easier steering during heavy-duty work applications, RANGER HD features power steering with exclusive Variable Assist. RANGER HD’s power steering allows for one-finger steering at low speeds and eliminates feedback at high speeds so the operator can work longer and enjoy the ride. The system is perfect for plowing as well as the BOSS® Lift & Carry System that attaches to the front of the RANGER HD and can lift and carry up to 500 lbs.

At first I really didn’t think a UTV would need power steering, but after I had a chance to use the RANGER HD in a variety of applications and terrain, I am sold. Steering is easier, but not so much so that you don’t feel the road. I would like to see variable-assist power steering as an option on all UTVs.

Empty

Self-Leveling Suspension

The RANGER HD is outfitted with Nivomat shocks that are made by ZF Sachs. Sachs invented the Nivomat technology back in the 1960s. So it has been around a long time and has been used on several automobiles used around the world.

These shocks have a preferred ride height where they are happy. When you add weight to the vehicle, the springs will compress and ride height decreases. The shocks then step into action and pump up until they are in their “happy zone” again. If you take load away the ride height increases, the Nivomats then bleed off pressure until they are once again in their “happy zone”. This cycle goes on continuously while riding.

Loaded, but not leveled

The RANGER HD is suspended by two springs. The first is the external coil spring and this supports the majority of the weight. The second spring is a progressive air spring which is created by the high pressure gas chamber inside the shock. As weight is added to the vehicle and the shock begins to “pump up” the air spring rate increases and therefore increases the effective spring rate. This is important to note because some load leveling suspensions increase the spring preload, which does not change the spring rate. Changing the spring rate is a more effective method because it maintains the most comfortable ride
rate.

Loaded and Leveled

I asked the folks at Polaris what happens if you ride in repeated whoops or overload the vehicle. Will it continue pumping? The answer is yes. So, internal to the shock there is a blow off valve to protect from building too much pressure. This prevents damage to the shock. Therefore, if the vehicle is grossly overloaded it will not level out.

I remember back when I was a kid, my family had a 1975 Ford F350 1-ton truck. This truck was built to carry a lot of weight. In our case, it was a big slide-in camper with a boat in tow. The truck handled the big load with ease, but when you take the camper off and drive around, it was a completely different story. I am surprised no one in the family lost a filling driving down the road with nothing in the truck. It was a bone-jarring experience!

Polaris Ranger HD on the Ranch

What I found in using the HD both unloaded and loaded is a vehicle that has a nice, comfortable ride while unloaded. Load it up with a load of green oak firewood, and once it leveled out, the ride was smooth, and it felt like I was in a vehicle that was designed to carry the extra load. The load leveling is completely automatic (no switches or air compressors to mess with), but it does require you to drive a bit so the shocks can sense ride height and adjust to the new load.